Sports Minister Voices Support for the NFF World Cup Budget

Sports minister Tamuno Danagogo has stepped behind the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on its budget for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil while pledging his support for the funding.

The NFF presented a N2bn budget to the National Assembly early this week and Danagogo, who succeeded the ousted minister Bolaji Abdullahi, says all hands must be on deck to ensure a successful campaign for the Super Eagles in Brazil.

“We must do everything possible, both as a government and sports loving people, to ensure that we provide for the NFF, our coaches and players everything that they need to bring the World Cup to Nigeria,” he said.

Nigeria Will Be Appearing in a Fifth Fifa World Cup Tournament in Brazil.
Nigeria Will Be Appearing in a Fifth Fifa World Cup Tournament in Brazil.

“We have asked the General Secretary to liaise with us so we can see the possibility of government intervention and also interventions from other corporate bodies and organizations.”

Danagogo also pointed out that funding was required for other sports.

“The Federal government has done what it can within the limit of available resources. But it is clear that what has been provided is not enough to get sports to the level we want in Nigeria.

“Corporate entities and other sports loving individuals should key into supporting and sponsoring sporting events so that we can match the enthusiasm of our populace with performance,” he added.

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  1. A short story at the time of World Cup 2014 in Brazil.

    BRAZIL – MY NAME IS WORLD CUP
    In Brazil, a small child was growing up. He was loved by all as not only he was handsome but also courteous and caretaker. He was named by parents as ‘Like’ and everyone appreciated. In a small town where he lived, his parents had a small land , on which only vegetables were grown but they were very popular and the family earned fortune. Like was educated and he also took a lot of interest in his career. He knew very well that his livelihood was his responsibility and beyond that his responsibility area extended to take care of his town and also parents. Right from childhood, his interest was in football. As he grew up, on every birthday his mother would give him a nice football, which he would toss as high as possible le. Like’s footwork was superb. In even major football events, he was remembered as a genius. His footwork was astonishing. In one event though regular players were selected, as an exception, Like was introduced as a liked boy by all. Surprisingly, Like made five goals against none by the opposite team, when he was only seven year old. The entire stadium stood up and gave him a standing ovation. All this did not enter Like’s head and he remained polite. Everybody thought, he would be a world-class football player and would make his country proud. But Like was destined to do something else for world welfare. He wanted to start from his country and then spread wings. Out of box, after completing education, he opened up a modern bakery and the products soon made a name. Money poured in. He opened many branches and gave employment to needy. Additional openings were kept in such a way that while studying, students could earn for working for some fixed convenient hours. This was a great boost in the educational field and in the country’s interests.
    Like built a grand building in the town and called everybody for celebration. He was famous for bakery products but public remembered his genius as a football player and appropriately with the consent of all, the Mayor of the town announced the changed name for him as ‘Genius’. Everyone shouted this name as a slogan and suddenly in a fraction of second, Like name became a history and he was sounded as Genius. Someone enthusiastic in the audience got up and said a few words which were unique as ‘ We like the changed name ‘Genius’ as he is not only a football player but a major player to cover the entire facets of life for all.’ Everybody raised hands, stood up and instantly their legs started dance of a footballer. This happening was captured by camera and telecast, throughout the length and breadth of the world. It was an incredible scene. Genius acknowledged he respect bestowed upon him and said, ‘Now I carry more responsibility and you also are responsible and respected citizens of the country and in the extended term world citizens. Therefore, we hold respect and care for entire humanity and together we will strive. From my side, of course, with your cooperation and blessings, I pledge to take on life as a mission to do the best.’ It took almost half a day to disperse as all wanted to shake hands with Genius and see him at close quarters before departing. Genius got on his toes and put his steps as in World Cup which he maintained permanently. As a side business, he opened a major outlet for auto spares for all makes of cars by Government permission and the goodwill of car manufacturers in the world. The pricing was absolutely reasonable and the material of superb quality which made a name internationally. Slowly Genius indulged in pulling up his energies to spread the business wings and established at least one auto spare parts shop in each country in the world. Genius visited all he countries and his outlets every year where people gathered to see him. Later he opened up large and

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    well-equipped educational universities where all in-house activities were taken up by students on the basis of ‘earn and study’. This included maintenance and also setups of library, sports wings and event management. Such a programming was a turning point for students and a great financial relief for parents and respective countries also. Sometimes during visits, Genius would suddenly appear anywhere and all dirt would be removed, with a message that this should be kept up. He would hire services at his own expense. The finance was not a constraint at all as his extensive efforts in the business had made him more than a millionaire already. On certain occasions he would suddenly enter the poor localities by riding on a bicycle and talk to residents. He was famous and everyone was eager to touch his fore head with love. He would immediately take on maintenance and repairs of their houses to make them as if new residences. The smile on the residents’ faces spoke it all. Particularly, small children would look at the changed face of their houses and dance in delight. Genius was also referred and respectfully called as Genius Uncle by children. Genius enjoyed the fun and used to utter a few words as ‘The heaven is right here with our efforts. Where you are, I am. The world pleasure is standing in front of us and let us keep on moving like a football in the world cup. Each day is full of activities and our name is World Cup.’ These words became famous as all educational centers inscribed the quote in their halls in the world.
    Genius also helped build roads in remote, rural neighborhood of the country and all small, big lanes were also rebuilt to last for many years. Attractive dust bins were made and placed at required places which became a wonder. Immediately he established a Dust Bin factory and at the most rock-bottom prices, the products were made available to underdeveloped and developing countries. The dust bins were sturdy, but light and message thereon was with excellent cartoons, indicating ‘cleanliness alone will keep us fit.’ This small sentence became a hallmark of life and appeared at all vantage areas in the world. None forgot to place the photo of Genius at these points at their own expense to show love and affection.
    New chapters of life of Genius were getting opened, filled with efforts and enthusiasm, which encouraged all. Genius had already played big games and helped many. He was sanding at 90 now but still could take on the dance of a football l player. It so happened once after touring the world, he came back to Brazil to stay for a few days in his hometown. The next day after his arrival was Sunday, and the main ground in the town was to witness a grand match between Brazil and rest of the world. The news of the arrival of Genius spread like a wild fire and everyone remembered his childhood as an excellent football player. Genius was invited to inaugurate the function. The match was won by Brazil by 3-l. As a goodwill gesture, after the match, both teams stood up on the ground and Genius was honoured. The audience roared ‘Let Genius also play and we want to enjoy’ It was agreed and a mixed friendly match was on sight. Genius at 90 was on the field but his enthusiasm was of a 9 year old boy. In the first half, no goal was registered by either team. During second half like a hurricane, Genius danced and dribbled with the ball with excellent skill and speed. Just before the last few minutes, it looked like a ‘tie’. But Genius made a surprise goal which was a header. He was a perfect mover. His team won the crown.
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    There was a glow on the face of Genius and the entire audience applauded. Genius was moved with all this love and stood erect though tired completely, walked gently towards the goal post, held the ball, kissed it, waved to the entire audience with the biggest load of heavenly pleasure. Suddenly but gently he fell on the ground with the football beside him. Anyway the end comes to everyone one day and this was to happen on that day for Genius. The entire stadium went deep in their sorrow and felt as if they were passing away with him as his departure was unbelievable and it was a shock. It was a day for mourning for all world citizens. Genius would be remembered all the time as a symbol of genius player in life for human welfare. Beyond this what one would expect for such a bright career contribution!

    Jointly by Grandfather and Grandson
    Hari V Navangul and Aatman S Khedkar
    Parijat Housing Society Pushkar Flat No Swami Nityanand Road
    Panvel 410206 Dist Raigad Maharashtra India
    Mob. +91 22 9323068925
    Tel +91 22 27454797
    (Imaginary)